The U.S. May Have Had Its First Vaping-Related Death: Brainstorm Health
Happy Friday, readers!
Earlier this week, we noted that there have been some 100 cases of mysterious lung illnesses potentially linked to vaping. The outbreak has been concerning enough to attract the attention of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
In an unfortunate turn, one individual has died from this serious lung condition, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – potentially the first ever case of a vaping-related death in the U.S. And the number of reported cases has swelled to nearly 200.
“The severity of illness people are experiencing is alarming and we must get the word out that using e-cigarettes and vaping can be dangerous,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement. “We requested a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help us investigate these cases and they arrived in Illinois on Tuesday.”
It’s important to note that details are sparse at the moment. The IDPH didn’t specify much about the patient who died, and it took pains to clarify that public health officials simply don’t know whether or not the lung disease cases may be linked to illicit THC-containing cartridges or off-brand vaping products.
But at least one of the approximately 100 patients reportedly affected said he had bought a THC-containing vape cartridge off the street, and use of vaping products appears to be the unifying thread among the victims so far.
Read on for the day’s news, and have a wonderful weekend.
Sy Mukherjee, @the_sy_guy, sayak.mukherjee@fortune.com